RESIDENTS on West Thurrock's Renovo estate have called for action over anti-social behaviour and car cruising that they say is blighting their lives.

The still-to-be completed estate is on land adjacent to Lakeside shopping centre and retail park, which was formerly waste ground and the site of the Gala bingo hall and food outlets.

Its residents say that drivers are not only regularly racing each other, causing loud noise and safety concerns for those on the roads and footpaths, the cars have also taken to racing residents coming home from work and shopping.  

A campaign has been mounted, led by resident Aaron Green, asking Thurrock Council and Essex Police to do more to combat the nuisance.

At this week's meeting of Thurrock Council, Mr Green handed in a petition signed by hundreds of residents demanding the council work with the police to better support the community.

In an address to the meeting, he called for urgent action and an improved and visible deterrent to anti-social behaviour and car cruising. 

 Mr Green said, "Enough is enough. Residents are facing mental health decline due to being unable to leave or return to their homes when the car cruising is happening."

 "Thurrock Council must act. They must listen to residents' fears, protect their safety and work with police-enforce the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on the Renovo Estate before anyone gets hurt."